Who would have guessed a few weeks ago that Dunfermline would play Accies on 6 April with the hosts missing Gallacher, McMillan, Barrowman, Kirk (among others), and with Accies being managed by Alex Neil and Frankie McAvoy? The most unpredictable of leagues strikes again and quite how tomorrow will pan out is anybody's guess. Accies should have the skill and experience to prevail, even without the suspended Gary Fisher and the likely absence of player/interim manager Neil, who was described earlier in the week as being 30/70 against for this game. The away team will have been boosted by the victory on Tuesday against Dumbarton and will travel to EEP with the confidence boosting memory of a fine cup win there a couple of months ago. The younger and lesser known Dunfermline players will no doubt use the rest of this season as a showcase for their talents, but despite this factor I'll take Accies to win this game convincingly and give our new management team their first 3 points at their first attempt.
This blog is about Hamilton Academical Football Club - the Accies.
Not quite that optimistic. I go for a draw with Dunfermline fired on by a greatly increased home support while Accies will miss Alex on the field. On the other hand it will be interesting so see what side Alex picks. The inclusion of a couple of our younger players shows he may be about to mix things up a bit. I certainly would like to see Mcshane on from the start alongside Stevie May. It certainly keeps the season interesting for the last 7 games.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be seen as a chance for a win. I normally approach away games of a mind to settle for a draw, but the situation of both teams points to an Accies win. Dunfermline in financial disarray, and having lost more than half their best XI, Accies with a new manager looking for that bounce, and a realistic target of overhauling Dunfermline if we can win tomorrow. I don't expect Neil to take a radically different approach to Reid, but it'll be interesting to see what he does do differently (I don't expect to see two up top).
ReplyDeleteWith so much uncertainty at both clubs this is a really tough game to predict. I'm also hearing that there could be a huge home support which would just add nicely to the mix. Whatever unfolds, I'm looking forward to an entertaining afternoon. Hopefully it won't be my last visit to East End Park.
ReplyDeleteGood call, Ian, re two up front. Great result, and with the teams below us losing, I reckon we're well on-course to finish the season in at least sixth place.
ReplyDeleteGood win and although not an outstanding performance it was still a very good game. Midfield looked a little disjointed but we were dangerous up front with McShane having his best game of the season. I think him and May look like a good pairing, Wonder if there's any chance of keeping May next season ? For me he looks a better player up front with McShane.
ReplyDeleteIMO best for Accies were Devlin, Canning, McShane and McKinnon. Seen Billy Reid after the game and wished him all the best. Also met Leishman and wished the Pars all the best.Enjoyable win and a good day
Delighted with this victory. It sounded as if it was a great game to watch and the Dunfermline youngsters seem to have acquitted themselves very well. I will look forward to seeing the report on the OS in due course. The report on the BBC website is worthless. There is nothing in that report that couldn't be created from having the teams, the HT and FT scores and the names of the scorers. I know this is nothing new, but I'd be interested to know the views of others.
ReplyDeleteVery pleased to see a positive start to the post-BR era, especially when we are not quite out of relegation/playoff danger yet. It will be interesting to follow the results until the end of the season - but us scoring 3 goals in a single game is something we haven't managed since December, and that's an occurrence we can all be happy to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteThis has renewed some real interest in an otherwise stale season.
While I think we looked vulnerable at the back against an inexperienced and young Dunfermline team I also agree that to score 3 goals is a positive. I have always liked Mcshane and had injury not robbed us early on in the season who knows what a partnership with May might have produced? A second game in a row with really poor refereeing. I wonder if the SFA pays any attention probably not. I also wonder if the reinstatement of Devlin for Paige means we are not going to extend the latter's contract at the end of the season?
ReplyDelete